Skip to content

Cat breed · Mixed ancestry

Domestic Longhair

A non-pedigree cat with a long coat — common in shelters and needing more grooming than a shorthair.

Medium13–18 yearsWorldwideCan suit apartments

Breed characteristics

Group
Mixed ancestry
Origin
Worldwide
Size
Medium
Weight
4–7 kg (9–15 lb)
Height
23–28 cm
Lifespan
13–18 years
Coat
Medium to long, any colour
Temperament
IndividualOften placidVaried

History

Long coats arose naturally in colder regions and spread through free-breeding cat populations.

Appearance

Plush coat with a ruff and feathered tail, in every colour.

Exercise and activity

Daily interactive play and climbing opportunities.

Care and grooming

Brush three or four times weekly to prevent mats behind the ears, in the armpits and along the trousers.

Health considerations

  • Hairballs
  • Matting-related skin problems
  • Dental disease
  • Obesity
  • Kidney disease with age

Honest challenges

Similar breeds